Mathematical Symbols
What does each symbol stand for?
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As you saw in the video, each type of quadrilateral has its own set of characteristics. Using mathematical symbols is a quick and easy way to explain what makes each kind of quadrilateral unique. Remember, a symbol is a letter or sign that is used instead of a word to represent an amount or a relationship.
In math, symbols can be used to show that angles and line segments are congruent, meaning they have the same size and shape. Symbols can also show that an angle is a right angle, or 90 degrees. Click through the boxes below to read descriptions of different mathematical symbols.
A symbol, in the form of a line, can be used to show the parts of a shape that have congruent sides. The lines on the sides of this trapezoid below show that the two non-parallel sides are congruent.
If there is more than one pair of congruent sides on a figure, then sometimes two, three, or even four lines must be used to show congruency. The dashes on this rectangle are showing you that the pairs of opposite sides are congruent to each other.
The symbol that represents a right angle is in the shape of a box. For instance, the symbols in the corners of this rectangle are showing you that it has 4 right angles.
Congruent angles, not 90°, are shown using curved lines. The curved lines in the corners of this trapezoid are showing that those angles are congruent.
Show what you know! Practice what you learned by matching each symbol to its definition.